SYDNEY, N.S. - For those who prefer simpler times when gifts were made by hand, the craft shows that occur in the months leading up to Christmas can be a welcome respite from the rigors of holiday shopping and battles for parking spots at the local mall.

SYDNEY, N.S. — Mayor Cecil Clarke has defended calling an in-camera meeting of Cape Breton Regional Municipality’s council with limited public notice, saying he has the authority to do so under provincial legislation.